New spacers for the treatment of peri-implant infection

Periprosthetic infection is one of the most severe complications of hip arthroplasty. Goal. To evaluate the possibility of treating peri-implant infection using the original spacers of the hip joint in the experiment. Material and methods. Hip spacers with antibiotic containers inside them have been developed. The release of drugs into the periimplant space from spacers is carried out by the surgeon non-invasively through radio communication. An experimental study in 2 comparison groups in rabbits (10 animals in each group) was conducted. Peri-implant infection was simulated in the study. The original spacer was used in the main group, a standard bone cement spacer was used in the control group. Clinical, physiological, and laboratory parameters of animals were evaluated in the experiment, and histological studies were also performed. Results. Wound healing in the main group was better than in the control group. The number of suppurations after the spacer installation in the main group was in 2 rabbits, in the control group - in 7 animals. Clinical, physiological and laboratory parameters did not differ significantly in the comparison groups. Histological studies of the tissues surrounding the spacers also demonstrated a lower degree of inflammation in the main group compared to the control group. Conclusions. Developed hip spacers provide treatment for peri-implant infection without the use of systemic antibiotic therapy (in an experiment). Their use can avoid or reduce the number of side effects of antibacterial drugs.